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Leo Shubow Papers

 Collection
Identifier: P-395

Scope and Content Note

This collection contains articles and speeches about Theodore Herzl and Stephen Wise, as well as correspondence from the latter. Wise was with the Jewish Institute of Religion and his correspondence often reflected the dire financial problems of the organization. He was also quite supportive of Shubow's endeavors, including the founding of the synagogue in Newton. However, the two were good friends, and Wise's letters offer tidbits about Shubow's life, including his marriage and the birth of his children.

In addition to the small amount of correspondence, various clippings from newspapers are included in the collection. Written by Shubow, these articles are about the Titanic disaster as well as Shubow's experiences as a Yeoman with the International Ice Patrol in 1925. Some photographs of a younger Shubow are included in the article. Shubow also wrote about Palestine in a recurring column called, "Palestine Today." Broadsides and fliers from speaking engagements identify Shubow as a frequent speaker on Israel.

Dates

  • undated, 1933-1961

Creator

Language of Materials

The collection is in English.

Access Restrictions

This collection is open for researcher use. Please contact us to request access or to make an appointment to view this collection at jhcreference@nehgs.org.

Use Restrictions

There may be some restrictions on the use of this collection. For more information contact jhcreference@nehgs.org.

Biographical Note

Rabbi Leo Shubow was born in 1904 and graduated from the Boston Latin School in 1920. After graduating from Harvard University in 1924 and New York University in 1927, he attended Boston Hebrew College and was ordained at the Jewish Institute of Religion. He received his Master of Hebrew Literature in 1932.

In addition to serving for 32 years as Rabbi of B'nai B'rith in Somerville, Massachusetts, Shubow founded Temple Emanuel in Newton, Massachusetts. He also served as chaplain for the Norfolk State Prison, as well as on the service board of the Boston Police Department and the Henry Price Lodge of Masons in Boston.

Shubow was the author of two books, "Israel Lives Again" and "Iceberg Dead Ahead." Shubow had a personal interest in the Titanic disaster and was also a Yeoman in the International Ice Patrol in 1925. He wrote often for the Boston Globe on the Titanic and about his experiences on the Ice Patrol.

He was a supporter of the State of Israel and a member of the National Executive Board of the Zionist Organization of America.

He married Pauline Kniznick of Waltham, Massachusetts, and they had three children, Dorothy (Nelson), Morris and Charles. His brother, Joseph Shubow, was also a Rabbi.

References

  1. Materials in the collection.
  2. "Rabbi Leo Shubow, Served Somerville; 77; from the Boston Globe, Boston, Mass.: February 21, 1981. pg. 1.

Extent

0.25 linear feet (1 half-manuscript box)

Abstract

Leo Shubow was a Boston rabbi who founded Temple Emanuel in Newton, Massachusetts. Prior to becoming a Rabbi he served as a Yeoman with the International Ice Patrol and wrote frequently about his experiences as well as what happened on the Titanic. This collection contains articles, speeches, and correspondence with Stephen Wise, as well as news clippings and broadsides.

Physical Location

Located in Boston, Mass.

Acquisition Note

Donated by Pauline Shubow, 1981.

Processing Information

Processed by Stephanie Call, 2009

Title
Guide to the Leo Shubow Papers, P-395
Author
Processed by Stephanie Call
Date
2010
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Sponsor
Made possible by a grant from the Schilder Family Fund. This collection has been digitized, made possible by a grant from the Trustees u/w of Herman Dana.

Repository Details

Part of the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center at American Ancestors Repository

Contact:
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Boston MA 02116 United States
617-226-1245